Volunteers who will work during the World Cup, at the Lusail Stadium. REUTERS / Mohammed Dabbous
The organizers of World Cup in Qatar 2022 agreed rules for the sale of alcoholic beer to spectators in stadiums and fan areas in the Muslim-majority country, where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
FIFA informed this Saturday that fans will be able to buy alcoholic Budweiser beer in the eight stadiums – but not in street kiosks – before and after matches, and in the evening only at “Festival of the fans” official, which will be held in a central park in Doha.
Tickets promising access to champagne, wine, spirits and beer in the stadiums for hotel guests are on sale from February 2021 as part of business packages offering “premium drinks”.
The beer rules that affect most fans were announced 11 weeks before the opening match and fulfills an expectation since Qatar started its campaign 12 years ago to be the first venue of the World Cup in the Middle East.
Budweiser is one of the main sponsorsy has been the exclusive beer of the World Cup since 1986 and its parent company AB Inbev renewed its contract with FIFA in 2011 until 2022.
FIFA said on Saturday that Budweiser will be sold with alcohol ‘within the perimeter of the stadium before kick-off and after the final whistle’‘.
“Inside the stadium, ticket holders will have access to the non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero,” said the governing body of world football. “At the FIFA Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available for purchase from 6.30pm.”
The Qatar organizing committee and AB InBev declined to comment on the matter on Saturday.
Access to alcoholic beverages is greater in Qatar than in other Middle Eastern countries. They are served in the hotel’s restaurants and licensed bars. Outside those premises, consumption is illegal.
* With AP information
Source: Clarin
